The Express reports the Scotsman, who made his name in Shallow Grave and Trainspotting, is "the only name being mentioned" in connection with a £24m remake of the 1966 film by Paramount Pictures.

Caine's portrayal of the promiscuous Londoner who finally gets his comeuppance turned him into a celebrity over night, and Alfie is still regarded as one of his best films.

McGregor recently said filming his role as Obi-Wan Kenobe in the forthcoming Star Wars prequel Episode I - The Phantom Menace was "the epitome of tedium".

However, he has signed up to make two more Star Wars films, committing him to the project until 2005.

'Looking for a challenge'

The original Alfie: Michael Caine

The newspaper quotes a source close to McGregor as saying: "Ewan wasn't joking when he said making The Phantom Menace was the most boring experience of his professional life.

"He's looking for parts that don't require hours in the make-up chair or days standing in front of a blank screen pulling faces.

"Though matching Michael Caine's performance in the original would be a challenge, Ewan needs a challenge right now."

It is reported Paramount is offering to co-produce the remake with Natural Nylon, the company McGregor owns with his Trainspotting co-star Jonny Lee Miller as well as Jude Law, Sadie Frost and Sean Pertwee.